This is the second of thirteen episodes in this series. This program traces the legislative history of abortion regulation, featuring both pro and anti-abortion activists. This Program also examines the Supreme Court Roe vs. Wade case. Sponsored by the Pacifica Foundation and the American Civil Liberties Union Foundation with funding from the Deer Creek Foundation, St. Louis, Missouri, and the California Council for the Humanities, a state program of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Bicentennial Edition researched, edited, and produced by Adi Gevins; engineered by David Rapkin; Kathy McAnally, announcer. Original program produced by Laurie Garrett, 1982.

Folio description: Birth and death: the seemingly clear points that mark the beginning and end of our lives. But these are not times of clarity, especially in matters of life and death. The issue of abortion has touched national nerves that go beyond an individual’s decision whether or not to terminate a pregnancy. It has expanded to include sexuality, contraception, the future of the American family, euthanasia, new reproductive techniques, parental consent and equal access laws. The constitutional issues addressed by the Supreme Court Roe v Wade and subsequent decisions are explored. The history of legislation regulating abortion in America is traced. Both pro and anti-abortion movements are changing. These and other recent activities change and complicate this already emotional issue. Program participants and consultants include Kristin Luker, Professor of Sociology, UC Berkeley; Daphne Macklin, ACLU; James Mohr, Professor of History, University of Maryland; Charles Rice, Professor of Law, Notre Dame University; Nat Hentoff, journalist. Bicentennial edition produced by Adi Gevins, 1987; original program produced by Laurie Garrett, 1982.